WBC Sightings 2009

27 December to 2 January 2010

A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen at Thorpe Marshes, 31 December and at nearby Haddiscoe Island, 2 January. Other notable raptors included a Peregrine at Oakley, a Merlin at Haddiscoe Island and a Buzzard at North Cove, all 1 January. Marsh Harriers were recorded at Thorpe Marshes (three), Belton Marshes (four) and Fisher Row, Oulton, 1 January and two Hen Harriers were seen at Belton Marshes, 2 January. Three Short-eared Owls were recorded at Thorpe Marshes, 1 January, with single birds also seen at nearby Haddiscoe Island and Belton Marshes on the same day. Barn Owls were noted at Fisher Row and Belton Marshes, 1 January and at Weybread GP, 2 January.

A flock of 100 Pink-footed Geese was present at Oulton Marshes, 1 January. Three Goldeneye were seen at Fritton Decoy, 29 December and a redhead Goosander was present at Weybread GP, 30 December to the end of the week. A Little Egret was seen at Weybread, 31 December to 2 January.

A count of 75 Avocets was made at Burgh Castle Flats, 27 December and four Ruff were seen there, 1 January. A Green Sandpiper was present at Barsham Marshes, 1 January and Woodcock were noted at Ashby (two), 29 December and North Cove (two) and Parkhill, Oulton, 1 January.

Notable passerines recorded at Fisher Row included three Lesser Redpolls, 28 December and a Water Pipit, three Cetti’s Warblers and four Stonechats, 1 January, while a Cetti’s Warbler and a Stonechat were noted at Barsham Marshes, 1 January. Kingfishers were recorded at Fisher Row, 28 December, Fritton Decoy, 29 December, Weybread GP (three), 31 December and Barsham Marshes, 1 January.

20 to 26 December

A Little Stint was an unusual mid-winter find at Oulton Marshes, 20 December. Two Green Sandpipers were present at Fisher Row, Oulton, 25 December and Woodcock were noted at North Cove (two), 20 December, Barsham Marshes, 20 and 21 December, Fisher Row, 22 December and Parkhill, Oulton (two), 24 December.

Two ringtail Hen Harriers were seen at Belton, 20 December, while two Red Kites flew over Hoxne, 21 December. Marsh Harriers were present at Castle Marsh, North Cove (two), 20 December and at Barsham Marshes the following day and a Buzzard flew over Puddingmoor, Beccles, 22 December. A male Peregrine and a Barn Owl were seen at Langley Marshes opposite Burgh Castle, 23 December and two Barn Owls were hunting at Fisher Row, 25 December.

Five Bewick’s Swans flew west over Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 21 December and a flock of 350 Pink-footed Geese was feeding at Blundeston Marshes, 25 December. High counts of Teal (300)and Wigeon (250) were made at Burgh Castle Flats, 23 December. A pair of Goosanders was present on the river at Barnby and a redhead was seen at Weybread GP, 24 December.

A Grey Wagtail, two Bearded Tits and three Lesser Redpolls were seen at Fisher Row, 20 December, while two Stonechats were present at Barsham Marshes, 21 December. Three Bearded Tits were also seen by Haddiscoe Bridge, 24 December and a Lesser Redpoll at North Cove, 25 December. Kingfishers were noted at Fisher Row, 20 and 25 December and at Weybread GP (three), 22 December.

13 to 19 December

A male Blackcap was seen in a garden at Ellingham, 13 December, while another overwintering warbler, a Chiffchaff, was present at Weybread GP, 15 December. Other notable passerines included a Stonechat at Belton Marshes, 13 December, a flock of 60 Redwings at Geldeston churchyard and four Stonechats and two Cetti’s Warblers at Beccles Marshes, 14 December and a Grey Wagtail at Weybread GP, 18 December.

A flock of 48 Taiga Bean Geese was present at Thorpe Marshes, 18 December and two Goosanders, including a drake, were seen at the Ocean Pit, Weybread on the same day. A total of 14 Bewick’s Swans flew over Carlton Marshes, 19 December, while three feral Black Swans were present at Gillingham Marshes, 14 December.

A flock of 16 Black-tailed Godwits flew west over Beccles Marshes, 14 December, while Woodcock were seen at Belton Marshes, 13 December and Carlton Marshes (two), 19 December. Little Egrets were reported from Belton Marshes (two), 13 December and Carlton Marshes, 19 December.

6 to 12 December

A ringtail Hen Harrier was seen at Fisher Row, Oulton, 10 December, while Marsh Harriers were noted at Castle Marsh, North Cove (two), 6 December and Fisher Row, 10 December.Barn Owls were hunting by the Ocean Pit, Weybread, 8 December and at Fisher Row (three), 10 December.

Green Sandpipers were seen at Fisher Row (six), 6 December and at Earsham (two) and Outney Common, Bungay the following day, while an Avocet and 91 Curlews were present at Burgh Castle Flats, 12 December. Single Little Egrets were seen at Barnby Marshes, 6 December and at Outney Common the following day.

Cetti’s Warblers were recorded at Castle Marsh (two), 6 December and Oulton Marshes (six), 12 December. Other noteworthy passerines included a Stonechat at Castle Marsh, 6 December, ten Bearded Tits at Lopham Fen, 9 December and Grey Wagtails at Fisher Row (two), 8 December and Weybread, 12 December.

A flock of 2000 Pink-footed Geese flew west over Oulton Marshes and landed on Burgh Marshes, 10 December. Finally two Black Swans were seen at Burgh St Peter, 6 December.

29 November to 5 December

A flock of 23 Waxwings flew west over Beccles church at 8am on 2 December. A Water Pipit was present at Fisher Row, Oulton, 1 and 5 December. Stonechats were seen at Beccles Marshes (two), 30 November, Fisher Row (two), 1 and 5 December and Mendham Marshes (two), 5 December. Four Cetti’s Warblers were recorded at Fisher Row, 1 December and a Grey Wagtail was seen at Mendham Marshes, 5 December.

A Peregrine was hunting at Mendham Marshes and a Buzzard flew north overhead, 4 December. Two Marsh Harriers were seen at Blundeston Marshes, 1 December and two Barn Owls at Fisher Row on the same day.

Six Green Sandpipers were present at Fisher Row, 5 December.

A flock of 30 Pink-footed Geese was feeding in a field by Flixton Road, Somerleyton, 1 December. Single Little Egrets were present at Fisher Row, 1 December and Mendham Marshes, 5 December.

22 to 28 November

A Grey Wagtail was seen at Fisher Row, Oulton, 23 November, with three Bearded Tits and four Cetti’s Warblers noted there, 28 November. Five Lesser Redpolls were seen along Alan Hutchinson Way, Beccles, 25 November. Also noteworthy is a count of 57 Skylarks feeding on fields by Barsham Drain, 22 November.

A Little Egret and two Green Sandpipers were present at Fisher Row, 23 November, with a Little Egret and three Green Sandpipers present, 27 November.

A Marsh Harrier was seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 22 November and a Barn Owl was hunting at Fisher Row, 28 November.

15 to 21 November

A Peregrine flew south over Earsham GP, 21 November. Two Marsh Harriers were present at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 15 November and a single Buzzard was seen at Ashby, 15 and 21 November. Barn Owls were observed hunting at Weybread (two) and Fisher Row, Oulton (two), 20 November.

A Water Pipit was a notable find at Fisher Row, 15 and 21 November. A Bearded Tit, two Stonechats and two Cetti’s Warblers were also present at Fisher Row, 15 November. A Brambling flew west over Ashby, 21 November. Grey Wagtails were seen at Weybread GP, 18 November, Blundeston (two), 20 November and Fisher Row, 21 November and Kingfishers at Weybread GP (three) and Fisher Row, 20 November.

A covey of 11 Grey Partridges was seen at Mendham, 15 November.

8 to 14 November

A ringtail Hen Harrier was hunting at Fisher Row, Oulton, 8 November, while a Marsh Harrier was present at Herringfleet Marshes on the same day. Two Barn Owls were seen at Fisher Row, 10 November.

A flock of eight Bewick’s Swans flew over Castle Marsh, North Cove, 10 November and 55 Pink-footed Geese flew north over Fisher Row, 12 November.

A flock of 20 Black-tailed Godwits was seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 8 November, with three there on 10 November. Three Green Sandpipers were present at Fisher Row, 10 and 12 November and a Woodcock and a Little Egret, 10 November.

Noteworthy passerines at Fisher Row involved a Black Redstart, 8 November, a Bearded Tit, 10 November, with two Stonechats, 10 and 12 November. A Grey Wagtail and a Chiffchaff were seen at Blundeston, 10 November and a Lesser Redpoll at Beccles allotments, 11 November.

1 to 7 November

A female Merlin was watched carrying prey at Belton Marshes, 1 November and two Marsh Harriers were also present, while a female Marsh Harrier was seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 5 November.

A Woodcock was flushed from Oulton churchyard, 1 November and two Green Sandpipers were present at Earsham GP, 5 November.

A Chiffchaff and a Grey Wagtail were seen at Blundeston, 5 November, while a flock of 40 Fieldfares flew west over Harleston and a singing Cetti’s Warbler was heard at Earsham GP on the same day. Notable passerines at Beccles Marshes on 6 November included 12 Lesser Redpolls, 30 Siskins, three Cetti’s Warblers and a Stonechat.

A flock of 5000 Pink-footed Geese was observed flying north over Burgh Castle heading to roost on Berney Marshes at dusk on 7 November, while 11 Barnacle Geese flew west along the river at North Cove, 5 November.

25 to 31 October

A Merlin was hunting at Barsham Marshes, 25 October and a Buzzard flew west over Beccles Common, 29 October. A Barn Owl was seen at Fisher Row, 26 October.

A Green Sandpiper was present at Fisher Row, Oulton, 26 October and a Woodcock was flushed from allotments at Beccles, 27 October.

A Grey Wagtail was seen at Barsham Marshes, 25 October and a flock of 40 Siskins was present along Blocka Lane, Herringfleet, 31 October.

18 to 24 October

Two rare species for the area were located this week, although unfortunately neither stayed for long. A Great Grey Shrike was seen at Seething airfield, 18 October and a Red-throated Diver was present at the Ocean Pit, Weybread, 19 October.

A flock of 1000 Pink-footed Geese flew north over Fritton, 22 October.

Two Little Egrets were present by the river at Fritton, 20 and 22 October and another was seen at Herringfleet Marshes, 22 October.

Waders of note included two Green Sandpipers at Earsham GP, 22 October and a Curlew at Belton Marshes, 24 October.

A Buzzard flew north over Beccles Marshes, 23 October, and a Marsh Harrier and a Barn Owl were seen at Belton Marshes the following day.

Notable passerines included a Stonechat, five Cetti’s Warblers and two Treecreepers at Beccles Marshes, 23 October. A covey of nine Grey Partridges was also seen at Beccles Marshes on the same day.

11 to 17 October

A flock of 75 Pink-footed Geese was seen in flight over Blundeston Marshes, 14 October.

Sightings of Redwings included eight at Barsham Marshes, 11 October and 30 at Broome Heath, 14 October.

A Buzzard flew east over Beccles Quay, 11 October.

4 to 10 October

A late flock of hirundines comprising 14 Swallows and two House Martins was feeding at Weybread GP, 5 October. Grey Wagtails were present at Weybread Mill, 4 October and Weybread GP, 8 October and a Crossbill was seen at Herringfleet on the same day. A flock of 19 Redwings flew west at Barnby, 9 October.

Wader sightings included three Greenshanks and a flock of 12 Golden Plovers which flew over Fritton Marshes, 10 October.

Buzzards were seen at Herringfleet (two) and Ashby, 8 October.

A count of 107 Egyptian Geese was made by the New Cut at Haddiscoe, 10 October.

27 September to 3 October

A late Hobby was seen over Burgh Castle Flats, 28 September.

Reminders that winter is on its way included a Jack Snipe at Fritton Marshes, 30 September and four Bramblings at Fisher Row, Oulton on the same day. The first returning Redwings were recorded, including a flock of 12 over St Olaves, 1 October and one of 20 over Fritton Marshes the next day.

Notable waders included a Greenshank and seven Bar-tailed Godwits at Burgh Castle Flats, 27 September, two Greenshanks at Fisher Row, 30 September and three Avocets at Burgh Castle Flats, 3 October.

A flock of 15 Bearded Tits was seen by the river at Burgh Castle, 27 September.

20 to 26 September

The valley joined in the current influx of Glossy Ibises when one flew south along the river towards Belton Marshes, 26 September, before heading back high north.

Late summer migrants included a Hobby and five Wheatears at Fisher Row, Oulton, 20 September, a Spotted Flycatcher at Beccles Marshes, 21 September and a further Wheatear at Fisher Row, 26 September. Single Kingfishers were seen at Fisher Row, 20 and 26 September and at Weybread GP, 23 September.

Two Greenshank were present at Fisher Row, 20 and 26 September.

13 to 19 September

Wader passage in the valley is tailing off, but five Common Sandpipers were present at Flixton GP, 15 September, with two Green Sandpipers there and one at Earsham GP the following day. A Whimbrel flew over St Olaves, 16 September and two Bar-tailed Godwits were seen at Burgh Castle Flats, 19 September.

A Willow Warbler and two Spotted Flycatchers were present at Beccles Marshes, 18 September. Kingfishers were reported from Weybread GP, 16 September and Beccles Marshes, 19 September.

Notable raptors included two Marsh Harriers at Carlton Marshes, 13 September and a Hobby and a Buzzard at Beccles Marshes, 19 September.

6 to 12 September

A Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper were present at Fisher Row, Oulton, 6 September, while a Greenshank, two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper and four Ringed Plovers were seen at Flixton GP, 8 September. Three Common Sandpipers and five Green Sandpipers were present at Earsham GP the following day.

A Hobby was seen at Beccles Marshes, 12 September.

Late Swifts included four over Diss and three south over Oulton, 8 September. A Spotted Flycatcher was present at Beccles Marshes, 12 September.

A first-summer Caspian Gull and two first-summer Yellow-legged Gulls were present at Aldeby landfill site, 11 September and an adult Mediterranean Gull was following a plough on Haddiscoe Marshes on the same day.

30 August to 5 September

Hobbys were hunting at Fisher Row, Oulton, 30 August, Herringfleet Marshes (three), 31 August and Ashby, 5 September. TwoMarsh Harriers were present at Beccles Marshes, 4 September and a Buzzard was seen at Ashby the following day.

A Dunlin was present at Fisher Row, 30 August, while one Spotted Redshank, two Green Sandpipers, one Common Sandpiper, one Snipe and a Little Egret were seen there the following day.

A Willow Warbler was seen at Beccles Marshes, 4 September, while Spotted Flycatchers were present at Oulton, 30 August and Beccles Marshes (two), 5 September. Three Cetti’s Warblers were heard at Fisher Row, 30 August and two at Herringfleet Marshes the following day. Kingfishers were seen at Redenhall (two) and Fisher Row (two), 30 August.

A Pink-footed Goose with a damaged left wing was present on the Norfolk bank of the river opposite Burgh Castle, 31 August.

23 to 29 August

Six Green Sandpipers and two Common Sandpipers were present at Earsham GP, 25 August, while two Green Sandpipers and seven Common Sandpipers were seen at Flixton GP the following day.

A late Cuckoo and two Turtle Doves were present along Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville, 23 August and three Spotted Flycatchers and a Kingfisher were seen at Barsham, 24 August.

A Hobby and a Marsh Harrier were present at Barsham Marshes, 24 August, two Buzzards were seen at Earsham, 25 August and a Hobby was hunting at Flixton GP, 26 August.

16 to 22 August

Migrant waders included five Green Sandpipers and three Common Sandpipers at Earsham GP, 17 August and three Greenshank, three Green Sandpipers and nine Common Sandpipers at Flixton GP, 19 August. A Turtle Dove was still singing along Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville, 19 August. A Hobby was hunting at Flixton GP, 19 August and two Barn Owls were seen at Carlton Marshes, 16 August. Single Kingfishers were seen at Redenhall and Fisher Row, Oulton, 16 August and two at Weybread GP, 19 August.

9 to 15 August

A very early-returning Fieldfare was a surprise find at Beccles Common, 13 August – the last August Fieldfare in Suffolk was in 2005.

A juvenile Cuckoo was seen at Weybread GP, 11 August and a juvenile Spotted Flycatcher at Beccles Marshes, 13 August. A Cetti’s Warbler was present by the river at Beccles, 13 August.

A late breeding pair of Great Crested Grebes was accompanying three recently-hatched young at Broome Heath, 12 August.

2 to 8 August

Migrating waders, many of them juveniles, continued to pass through the area. These included a Greenshank, 12 Whimbrel and a Golden Plover at Burgh Castle Flats and a Curlew at Beccles Marshes, 2 August; two Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper at Earsham GP and eight Common Sandpipers and three Green Sandpipers at Flixton GP, 4 August; four Common Sandpipers at Weybread GP and one on the river bank at Puddingmoor, Beccles, 5 August and a Green Sandpiper at St James South Elmham, 6 August.

Turtle Doves were still singing at Flixton GP, 2 August and Barsham Marshes the following day.

The juvenile Cuckoo was again seen at Carlton Marshes, 3 August. Sightings of Kingfishers involved four at Weybread GP and one at Flixton GP, 2 August. Three Yellow Wagtails were present at Flixton GP, 4 August, with four at All Saints South Elmham, 6 August and a Grey Wagtail was seen at St James South Elmham on the same day. Two Grasshopper Warblers were reeling at Carlton Marshes and a Treecreeper was present at the Dell, Beccles, 4 August.

Single Hobbys were seen over Beccles Marshes, 2 August and Harleston, 4 August.

A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was present at Flixton GP, 4 August.

26 July to 1 August

Two Wood Sandpipers flew over Churchfarm Marshes, Burgh Castle, 31 July. Passage waders at the gravel pits in the upper valley included Common Sandpipers at Earsham (two, 27 July), Flixton (five, 27 July) and Weybread (one, 28 July) and Green Sandpipers at the same three sites, with five at Earsham and two at Weybread, 28 July and five at Flixton the following day.

A juvenile Cuckoo was present at Carlton Marshes, 1 August.

A Hobby was seen at Burgh Castle, 27 July.

19 to 25 July

A first-summer Spoonbill was a surprise discovery at Flixton GP, 23 July, the first record for the site. Two Cranes flew low south-east over St Olaves in the evening of 24 July and two Little Egrets were seen at Earsham, 22 July.

A count of 234 Lapwings at Earsham GP, 21 July was noteworthy for the time of year and two Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper were present at both Earsham GP and Flixton GP the following day.

Turtle Doves were reported from All Saints’ South Elmham (two), 20 July and Flixton GP, 23 July.

A Hobby was seen at Beccles Marshes, 24 July and a Barn Owl was hunting beside the A143 at Needham early morning on 23 July.

Two Yellow-legged Gulls (third- and second-summer) were present at Earsham GP, 21 July and three adult Mediterranean Gulls were perched on the roof of the Rainbow store, Gosford Road, Beccles, 22 July.

12 to 18 July

Common Sandpipers were seen at Weybread GP, 14 July and at Flixton GP (two) the following day, while three Green Sandpipers were present at Earsham GP, 14 July and eight were feeding at a small pool at St James South Elmham, 16 July.

A Spotted Flycatcher was observed feeding four young along the Avenue, Beccles, 14 July and four were seen at Rookery Park Golf Club, Carlton Colville, 16 July. sTurtle Dove included one singing along Worlingham Wall, 14 July, one at Flixton GP and one by Haddiscoe Bridge, 15 July and three, including a singing male, along Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville, 16 July. A group of seven Yellow Wagtails was seen at All Saints’ South Elmham, 15 July and a male Siskin at Waveney Forest, Fritton, 12 July.

A Little Egret was present at Earsham, 14 July, while a group of ten were feeding at Redgrave Fen, 17 July. Six Yellow-legged Gulls were noted at Aldeby landfill site, 17 July.

Single Hobbys were seen at Beccles Marshes, 14 July and over Harleston, 15 July.

5 to 11 July

A Merlin was a most unexpected visitor to a garden in Ellingham, 9 July, delighting the garden’s owner, but certainly not the local finch population! An Osprey flew west high over Haddiscoe Island, 5 July, a first-summer male Marsh Harrier flew north over Flixton GP, 7 July and three Buzzards were seen at Ashby, 11 July. A Barn Owl was hunting at Flixton GP, 9 July.

Southerly-bound adult waders included two Greenshanks and a Green Sandpiper at Earsham GP, 6 July, two Greenshanks at Flixton GP on the same day, and four Black-tailed Godwits, six Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper at Flixton GP, 9 July.

Spotted Flycatchers were seen at Roydon Road, Diss and Rookery Park Golf Club, Carlton Colville, 6 July and singing Turtle Doves were heard at Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville, 6 July and at Earsham and Flixton GP the following day. Two Common Crossbills flew over Ashby, 11 July.

Two Little Egrets were seen in flight at Earsham, 8 July, while three Mediterranean Gulls were present at Beccles, 10 July.

28 June to 4 July

A Greenshank and six Green Sandpipers were present at Flixton GP, 29 June, while a full-summer plumage adult Mediterranean Gull was at Earsham GP on the same day.

A pair of Kingfishers with three young were seen at Wortwell, 28 June.

Tawny Owls were noted at Ashby Dell and Somerleyton (two), 3 July.

A total of 88 Egyptian Geese was present at Burgh Castle, 4 July, mainly on the Norfolk side of the river bank.

21 to 27 June

An adult Knot was a surprise sighting at Flixton GP, 23 June, with two Green Sandpipers also present. A single Green Sandpiper was seen at Earsham GP, 25 June.

Four Siskins, a female and three juveniles, were feeding in an Ellingham garden, 21 June.

A Buzzard flew south over Weybread Street, 25 June and four Barn Owls were seen at Carlton Marshes, 21 June.

14 to 20 June

Two Cranes flew north-eastwards along the Norfolk side of the valley observed from North Cove, 14 June and these, or possibly a different two, flew over Carlton Marshes at 9.42am on 20 June.

A Spoonbill was on the river bank (Norfolk side) at Burgh Castle, 20 June, while three Little Egrets were feeding by Swan Bridge at Hoxne, 16 June, an unusual summer record.

A Hobby was seen at Herringfleet, 19 June. Barn Owls were recorded at Castle Marsh, North Cove (two) and Withersdale Street, 14 June, Stuston Common, 17 June and by Shotford Bridge, Weybread, 18 June.

Two Grasshopper Warblers were singing at Fisher Row, Oulton, 15 June. Cuckoos were present at Fisher Row (two), 15 June, Barsham Marshes (two singing males), 16 June and Carlton Marshes, 18 June, while records of Turtle Dove included one along Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville, 18 June and three pairs at Hoxne, 20 June. Two juvenile Siskins were feeding in an Ellingham garden, 20 June.

A Red Kite flew north over Beccles at 2.40pm on 11 June. A Hobby was seen at Flixton GP, 8 June and a Buzzard at Oakley Park, 10 June.

A juvenile Siskin on a garden bird feeder at Ellingham, 9 June, was an interesting and intriguing record. Cuckoos were present at North Cove, 7 June and Barsham Marshes the following day, while Turtle Doves were noted at Flixton GP (two) and Earsham (two), 8 June, Oak Lane, Beccles, 9 June and Oakley, 10 June. A Spotted Flycatcher was seen by Shotford Bridge, Weybread, 9 June, together with a Grey Wagtail, a Spotted Flycatcher was at Puddingmoor, Beccles, 10 June and a Grey Wagtail at Syleham Mill on the same day.

An early-returning Green Sandpiper was present at Flixton GP, 8 June.

Two Ruddy Shelducks were on the river bank (Norfolk side) at Burgh Castle, 8 June.

7 to 13 June

A Red Kite flew north over Beccles at 2.40pm on 11 June. A Hobby was seen at Flixton GP, 8 June and a Buzzard at Oakley Park, 10 June.

A juvenile Siskin on a garden bird feeder at Ellingham, 9 June, was an interesting and intriguing record. Cuckoos were present at North Cove, 7 June and Barsham Marshes the following day, while Turtle Doves were noted at Flixton GP (two) and Earsham (two), 8 June, Oak Lane, Beccles, 9 June and Oakley, 10 June. A Spotted Flycatcher was seen by Shotford Bridge, Weybread, 9 June, together with a Grey Wagtail, a Spotted Flycatcher was at Puddingmoor, Beccles, 10 June and a Grey Wagtail at Syleham Mill on the same day.

An early-returning Green Sandpiper was present at Flixton GP, 8 June.

Two Ruddy Shelducks were on the river bank (Norfolk side) at Burgh Castle, 8 June.

31 May to 6 June

A Grey Partridge calling in a Bungay garden, 2 June, was the most unusual record of the week.

Turtle Doves were seen at Flixton (near Bungay), 1 June, Hoxne (four, including a nesting pair) and Syleham, 3 June. Cuckoos were present at Barsham Marshes, 2 June and Fisher Row, Oulton, 6 June. Single Grey Wagtails were seen at Syleham Mill and Hoxne sewage works, 2 June and Weybread GP, 6 June. A Grasshopper Warbler was singing at North Cove SWT reserve, 4 June and three Spotted Flycatchers were seen at Hoxne Mill, 2 June.

Two Hobbys, a Buzzard and a Marsh Harrier were present at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 31 May and a male Marsh Harrier was seen at Barsham Marshes, 2 June.

A Little Egret at Homersfield, 3 June, was an unusual summer sighting. Two Spotted Redshanks were seen at Burgh Castle Flats, 4 June and a flock of 57 Black-tailed Godwits and two Greenshanks were present there on 6 June.

24 to 30 May

Records of scarcer summer visitors included Turtle Doves at Geldeston Marshes (two) and Flixton GP (two), 24 May, single Cuckoos at Homersfield, 24 May and Fisher Row, 25 May, and Spotted Flycatchers at Weybread Mill, 25 May and Beccles Common, 29 May.Kingfishers were observed feeding young at Flixton Decoy, 25 May and Beccles Common, 29 May.

Three Hobbys, two Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier were seen at Ashby, 24 May. A Hobby was chasing House Martins over Hoxne, 28 May. Marsh Harriers were seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove (two) and Carlton Marshes (three), 25 May and a single Buzzard was seen at Ashby, 30 May.

Late migrant waders included a Common Sandpiper at Flixton GP, 24 May and a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Grey Plover at Burgh Castle Flats the following day.

The long-staying male Goldeneye at Flixton Decoy was last seen on 27 May.

17 to 23 May

Two Nightingales were singing at Broome Heath, 17 May and a Spotted Flycatcher was seen at Beccles Common, 19 May. Cuckoos were present at Carlton Marshes, 17 May, Redgrave and Lopham Fen (two), 20 May and Mettingham, 22 May. A Bearded Tit was seen at Redgrave and Lopham Fen, 20 May and a Siskin at Ashby, 23 May.

A Hobby, Buzzard and two Marsh Harriers were seen at Carlton Marshes, 17 May. Four Hobbys were feeding at Redgrave and Lopham Fen, 18 May and a female Marsh Harrier flew west over the Fen the following day. Two Hobbys and three Buzzards were present at Ashby, 23 May. A Barn Owl was seen at Oakley, 20 May.

A flock of 309 Black-tailed Godwits was present at Burgh Castle Flats, 17 May, together with four Knot and a Greenshank. A Common Sandpiper was present at Earsham GP, 21 May. A Little Egret flew east high over Fritton Decoy, 23 May.

The male Goldeneye was present at Flixton Decoy all week.

10 to 16 May

Three Cranes flew north along the river viewed distantly from Ashby at 11am on 10 May and a Spoonbill flew north overhead ten minutes later. One Crane also flew over Carlton Marshes at 10.40am on the same morning and a Little Egret was seen at Herringfleet Marshes on the same day.

The east winds on the 13 May resulted in a small passage of Black Terns with eight at Weybread GP and six at Earsham GP. Three Black Terns remained at Weybread GP the following day. These winds also brought an arrival of Common Sandpipers with eight by the river adjacent to Waveney Forest, Fritton and seven at Weybread GP, 13 May.

Single Hobbys were seen at Ashby, 10 May and Stuston Common, 15 May, while three Buzzards were also seen at Ashby, 10 May. Barn Owls were seen hunting at Weybread GP, 14 and 15 May and at Diss golf course, 15 May.

A Cuckoo was present at Belton Common, 10 May. A Bearded Tit and four Yellow Wagtails at Herringfleet Marshes and a male Siskin at Ashby were seen on the same day.

The male Goldeneye was present at Flixton Decoy all week.

Single pairs of Lapwing with fledged young were present at Herringfleet Marshes, 10 May and at Barsham Marshes the following day.

3 to 9 May

A Great White Egret was seen at Herringfleet Marshes, 7 May. A Crane flew over Redgrave and Lopham Fen at 6am on 3 May and a Spoonbill flew over Burgh Castle Flats on the same morning.

Cuckoos were heard at Outney Common, Bungay, 5 May and at Beccles, 7 May. A Yellow Wagtail was present at Herringfleet Marshes, 7 May.

Notable waders included four Avocets at Burgh Castle Flats, 3 May, while two Greenshanks, one Common Sandpiper, one Bar-tailed Godwit and one Spotted Redshank were there the following day. Three Whimbrel were seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 4 May and a Common Sandpiper was at Flixton GP, 6 May.

A Hobby, a Buzzard, two Marsh Harriers and four Barn Owls were seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 4 May.

The male Goldeneye was present at Flixton Decoy all week. Escaped wildfowl included two Bar-headed Geese, which flew west over Outney Common, 5 May and the regular Lesser White-fronted Goose at Flixton GP, 6 May.

26 April to 2 May

A Whooper Swan at Flixton GP on 28 and 29 April was an unseasonable first site record. A Turtle Dove was singing at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 26 April, a Nightingale was at Barsham, 2 May and a Swift was over Harleston on the same day. Cuckoos were present at Outney Common, Bungay, Beccles Marshes, Geldeston Lock and Barnby Marshes, 26 April and Flixton and Fisher Row, Oulton, 30 April and a Yellow Wagtail was at Flixton GP, 28 April. A pair of Siskins was seen at Barnby, 2 May. Singing Cetti’s Warblers were heard at Outney Common, Barsham Marshes (two) and Beccles Marshes, 26 April.

A Hobby was at Castle Marsh, 26 April and two were present at Ashby, 2 May. Common Buzzards were seen at Ashby (two) and North Cove on 26 April and four were present at Ashby, 2 May and a male Marsh Harrier was at Flixton, 26 April. A Short-eared Owl was hunting at Barnby Marshes, 30 April and a Barn Owls were seen at Outney Common and Castle Marsh, 26 April.

Two Common Sandpipers were present at Flixton GP, 28 April, with one staying until the following day, and a Whimbrel flew north over Carlton Marshes, 30 April.

The male Goldeneye was still present at Flixton Decoy, 29 April.

19 to 25 April

The star bird of the week was a female Red-footed Falcon at Castle Marsh, North Cove, which was seen for ten minutes at midday on 22 April before drifting west. A Red Kite flew west over Fisher Row, Oulton at 6.55am on the 19 April and a Buzzard was seen there on 21st April. Two male Marsh Harriers were present at Beccles Marshes, 22 April, with one there on 24 April, and there was also a male at Flixton Marshes, 25 April.

The arrival of summer migrants continued with the first Cuckoo present at Barsham Marshes, 19 April, Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler singing at Weybread GP, 22 April and a Hobby at Barnby Marshes the following day. Further Cuckoos were recorded at Barsham Marshes (two), 21 April, Beccles Marshes (two), 22 April and Fisher Row, 24 April. Seven Grasshopper Warblers were reeling at Fisher Row, 21 April, with one at Beccles Marshes, 23 April. Passage migrants included a Wheatear and three Yellow Wagtails at Flixton GP, 22 April. A pair of Grey Wagtails was present at Weybread Mill, 23 April, two Kingfishers were seen at Weybread GP, 22 April and Cetti’s Warblers were heard at Fisher Row (two), 21st April and Beccles Marshes, 23 April. A late male Brambling was feeding in a Bungay garden, 19 and 20 April.

The male Goldeneye was still present at Flixton Decoy, 22 April. A pair of Great Crested Grebes was tightly guarding four young at Weybread GP, 22 April.

Records of escaped birds included a Black Swan circling Mendham Marshes, 19 April, the regular Lesser White-fronted Goose at Flixton GP, 22 April and a Cockatiel at Oulton on the same day.

12 to 18 April

A flock of five Cranes flew south over Carlton Colville at 11am on 18 April.

A male Ring Ouzel was seen north of Shipmeadow sewage works, 13 April and a Wheatear was by Barsham Drain on the same day. An early Reed Warbler was at Beccles Marshes, 12 April and the first reported Whitethroat was singing along Marsh Lane, North Cove, 15 April.Lingering winter visitors included a Redwing at Camps Heath, Oulton, 13 April, a flock of 20 Fieldfares by Worlingham Wall, 15 April and three Lesser Redpolls at North Cove SWT reserve on the same day. A Cetti’s Warbler was present at Beccles Marshes, April 16th.

A Buzzard flew north low over Harleston, 15 April and two Buzzards were seen at Somerleyton, 18 April. Marsh Harriers were present at Beccles Marshes (two), 12 April, Barsham Marshes (two), 13 April and North Cove (two), 18 April, while Barn Owls were seen by Shotford Bridge, Weybread, 12 April, Barsham Marshes, 13 April, Flixton Park, 15 April and Castle Marshes, North Cove, 18 April.

Migrant waders included a flock of eight Curlew at Beccles Marshes, 17 April and two Avocets which flew over Castle Marsh, North Cove the following day, while two Green Sandpipers remained at Flixton GP, 15 April.

A male Mandarin was seen at Wicker Well, Somerleyton, 15 April and the male Goldeneye was still present at Flixton Decoy, 18 April. A pair of Coots was busily feeding six recently-hatched young at Earsham GP, 15 April.

5 to 11 April

A Raven was seen circling high and heading west over Fritton Decoy late morning on 5 April.

Four Cranes were observed flying slowly south over Ashby at 10.50am on 5 April. A Bittern flew north-east over Beccles Marshes at 6.15am on 10 April. A flock of seven Avocets was an unusual discovery at Flixton GP, 6 April, while further down the valley a single Avocet was seen at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 9 April and two flew over Castle Marshes, North Cove, 11 April. Four Green Sandpipers were present at Flixton GP, 6 April.

A Red Kite flew south over Belton, 5 April and was later in the day seen returning north over Fritton Decoy. Two Buzzards were seen at Ashby and Herringfleet on the same day. Marsh Harriers were recorded at Barsham Marshes (two), 5 April and Carlton Marshes (two) and Flixton Marshes (two), 10 April, while Barn Owls were seen at Barsham Marshes, 5 April and Carlton Marshes (two), 9 April.

A male Ring Ouzel was present at Fisher Row, Oulton, 7 April and a male Wheatear at Carlton Marshes, 10 April. Two Grasshopper Warblers were singing at Fisher Row, 8 April and one was singing at Carlton Marshes, 10 April. Two Sedge Warblers were singing at Carlton Marshes, 10 April. Three Willow Warblers were singing at Carlton Marshes, 9 April and one at Beccles Marshes, 11 April. Seven Cetti’s Warblers were present along Barsham Drain, 5 April and five at Carlton Marshes, 9 April. Two Kingfishers were seen at Beccles Common, 8 April, with singles at Weybread GP, 9 April and Beccles Marshes, 11 April. A Brambling was still at Barnby, 5 April and four Redwings were seen at Oulton churchyard, 7 April. A flock of 20 Lesser Redpolls was feeding in trees along the Avenue, Beccles, 7 April and three were present at Belton, 11 April.

Two Sandwich Terns flew north-east over Carlton Marshes, 10 April. A flock of 16 Little Gulls flew east over Barsham Drain, 6 April. A third-summer Caspian Gull was seen at Earsham GP, 7 April, together with an adult Yellow-legged Gull. Two Mediterranean Gulls were briefly present at Weybread GP, 9 April.

The male Goldeneye remained at Flixton Decoy all week.

29 March to 4 April

The first summer migrants appeared during the week. A flock of five Sand Martins was seen at Earsham GP, 30 March, with one also seen at Ashby on the same day, and eleven were back at Flixton GP by 1 April. A Swallow was seen at Weybread GP, 31 March, while three were present at Barnby, 3 April, and two House Martins were feeding at Weybread GP, 1 April. Two Black Redstarts were present at Carlton Court, Carlton Colville, 30 March, with one also present at Herringfleet Hall on the same day. A singing male Blackcap was at Barsham, 1 April. Lingering winter visitors included a Brambling which remained at Barnby until 31 March. A flock of five Lesser Redpolls was present at North Cove SWT reserve, 29 March, with a single at Weybread GP the following day.

An early Common Tern was present at Weybread GP, 1 April. Four Green Sandpipers were seen at Flixton GP, 1 April, and a further two were present at Earsham GP on the same day.

A ringtail Hen Harrier was seen at Fisher Row, Oulton, 31 March, two Marsh Harriers were at Carlton Marshes, 3rd April and one at Somerleyton Marshes, 4 April. The first-summer Peregrine was back at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 4 April. Two Buzzards were present at Ashby, 30 March and a Barn Owl was seen at Carlton Marshes, 3 April.

The male Goldeneye was still present at Flixton Decoy, 2 April. A female Mallard was seen with a brood of four ducklings by the river at Harleston, 1 April.

22 to 28 March

Two Buzzards were present at Ashby, 28 March and one at Blundeston on the same day.

Single Bramblings were seen on garden feeders at Beccles, 24 March and at Barnby, 28 March.

A male Goldeneye was present at Flixton Decoy, 27 March. A pair of Egyptian Geese was accompanying six recently-hatched young at Weybread GP, 25 March.

15 to 21 March

A Water Pipit at Flixton GP, 15 March, was the first record for the site. Waxwings were seen again at Worlingham, with 12 along Primrose Rise, 19 March and four along Paddock’s Green, 20 March. There was a notable arrival of Chiffchaffs with singing males heard at North Cove SWT reserve (two) and Carlton Marshes, 15 March, Harleston, 17 March and Belton Common (three), 21 March. There were five singing male Cetti’s Warblers at Carlton Marshes, 18 March, while a flock of five Bramblings was seen at Belton Common, 21 March.

A Red Kite flew north over Carlton Marshes, 21 March. The Peregrine was again seen at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 15 March. There was also a glut of records of Buzzard on 15th, with three at Ashby and Somerleyton, two at Herringfleet and a single at North Cove.Barn Owls were recorded at Barsham, Stow Fen, Bungay and Homersfield, 16 March and Carlton Marshes, 18 March.

Woodcocks were much in evidence with three at Flixton Decoy, 14 March, singles at Flixton (near Bungay), North Cove SWT reserve, Herringfleet Hills and Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville, all on the 15th and another at Belton Common, 21 March. Green Sandpipers were present at Flixton GP (four), 15 March and Flixton Marshes (near Bungay) the following day. Two Little Egrets were present at Blundeston Marshes, 18 March.

8 to 14 March

A Rough-legged Buzzard was present at Haddiscoe and Thorpe Marshes, 10 March. A Short-eared Owl was hunting at Fritton Marshes, 10 March and on the other side of the river at Haddiscoe Marshes the following day and a male Hen Harrier was also seen at Fritton Marshes, 10 March. The Peregrine was back at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 14 March.Marsh Harriers were recorded at Haddiscoe Marshes (four), 11 March and Herringfleet Marshes (two), 14 March. Two Buzzards were seen at Herringfleet Marshes, also 14 March, and one at Ashby on the same day. Barn Owls were seen hunting on the verge of the A143 at Wortwell, 10 March and Needham, 11 March, with others also seen by Withersdale Church, 9 March, Water Lane, Weybread and Oulton Marshes, 10 March and Stow Fen, Bungay, 12 March.

The flock of Waxwings remained at Beccles / Worlingham until 13 March, when 12 were seen early morning along Primrose Rise. The peak count during the week was of 22 along Pine Tree Close, 8 March. Singing male Cetti’s Warblers numbered five at Carlton Marshes, 11 March and a singing male Chiffchaff was also noted there on the same day. A male Brambling was seen at Barnby, 10 to 14 March.

A Green Sandpiper was present at Earsham GP, 10 March and two were at Flixton Marshes (near Bungay), 12 March. Counts of six Spotted Redshanks and 60 Redshanks were made at Burgh Castle Flats, 8 March, while a Dunlin was present at Earsham GP, 10 March. A flock of 100 Lapwings remained at Peto’s Marsh, 8 March.

A male Goldeneye was present at Flixton Decoy, 8 March.

1 to 7 March

A Great White Egret flew over Barsham Drain and headed west towards Geldeston Lock, 1 March.

A sizeable flock of Waxwings was present all week in the Ellough Road / Coney Hill area of Beccles / Worlingham, with peak counts of 32 at the junction of Rowan Way and Cedar Dive, 1 March and of 31 along Annandale Drive, 7 March. Two Common Redpolls were seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 1 March. A Nuthatch was an unusual record for Worlingham, 2 March. A welcome sign of spring was a singing male Chiffchaff at Carlton Marshes, 5 March.A Stonechat was present at Barsham Marshes, 1 March, with three present at Fisher Row, Oulton on the same day and three at Carlton Marshes, 5 March. Four singing male Cetti’s Warblers were heard at Carlton Marshes, also 5 March. Kingfishers were seen at Carlton Marshes, 1 March, along Castleton Avenue, Carlton Colville, 3 March and Weybread GP (two), 4 March, two Treecreepers at Fisher Row, 1 March and four Bullfinches at Flixton GP, 7 March.

A Jack Snipe was seen at Carlton Marshes, 7 March. A flock of 270 Golden Plovers and 170 Lapwings was present at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 1 March, along with two Turnstones, 22 Redshanks and three Dunlin, and another Dunlin was seen much further up the Valley at Flixton GP, 7 March. Green Sandpipers were seen at Barsham Drain, 1 March, Earsham GP (three), 5 March and Flixton GP, 7 March. A single Black-tailed Godwit was at Barsham Marshes, 2 March.

A flock of 21 adult Bewick’s Swans flew in from the east and landed on Peto’s Marsh, 1 Marsh and a Tundra Bean Goose was in a field by Ellingham Mill, 2 March. Little Egrets were seen at Gillingham Marshes, 2 March and Flixton (near Bungay), 7 March.

A Red Kite flew south at Ashby Church, 6 March. Two Marsh Harriers were seen at Carlton Marshes, 1 March and two at Burgh St Peter, 5 March and Buzzards were seen at Oulton, 2 March and Somerleyton, 5 March. Barn Owls were seen at Barsham Drain (three), 1 March, Gillingham Marshes, 2 March, Mendham Marshes, 4 March, Carlton Marshes and Castle Marsh, 5 March, Old Hall, Flixton, 6 March and Flixton GP, 7 March.

22 to 28 February

A first-winter Rough-legged Buzzard was present on Haddiscoe Island late morning on 26 February. In the afternoon it was observed making a prolonged flight over Fritton Marshes, St Olaves and Herringfleet before crossing the river again and heading across Haddiscoe Marshes. A male Hen Harrier, a Merlin and two Peregrines were also present in the Haddiscoe area on the same day. A Peregrine was also seen at Carlton Marshes, 22 and 27 February and a Merlin at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 27 February. Marsh Harriers were seen at Burgh St Peter, 24 February and Herringfleet Marshes (two), 28 February, two Buzzards at Ashby, 28 February and a Barn Owl at Mendham, 27 February.

The long-staying Black-throated Diver at Oulton Broad made a short visit to Oulton Dyke during the afternoon of 22 February.

Two Tree Sparrows and 14 Bramblings were seen at Burgh St Peter, 24 February. A flock of 40 Lesser Redpolls was present at North Cove SWT Reserve, 22 February. Other interesting passerines seen at this site during the week included two Common Redpolls and three Bramblings, 25 February and one Common Redpoll and a flock of 60 Siskins, 28 February. A Stonechat was seen at Carlton Marshes, 22 February.

Two Ruffs were seen at Burgh St Peter, 24 February, a Green Sandpiper was present at Earsham GP on the same day and a Jack Snipe was flushed at Carlton Marshes, 28 February. A flock of 150 Golden Plovers was present at Peto’s Marsh, 22 February. The count of Oystercatchers at Weybread GP rose to eight, 23 February. Little Egrets were seen at Earsham, 24 February, at Mendham Marshes the following day and at Herringfleet Marshes (two), 28 February.

Finally, two Yellow-legged Gulls (a second- and a first-winter) were seen at Aldeby landfill site, 28 February.

15 to 21 February

The regular first-winter Iceland Gull was seen again at Aldeby landfill site, 19 February and a second-winter Yellow-legged Gull was present near the grain silos at Ellingham, 17 February.

An impressive gathering of 11 Buzzards was circling over Broome Heath late morning on 20 February before drifting north. A Red Kite was seen at Carlton Marshes, 21 February, Peregrines were seen at Barsham Drain, 19 February and Carlton Marshes, 20 and 21 February, two Hen Harriers (including an adult male) flew north over Fisher Row, Oulton, 15 February and two Marsh Harriers were at Herringfleet Marshes on the same day. Barn Owls were reported from Fisher Row (two) and Herringfleet Marshes (two), 15 February, Blundeston Marshes, 19 February, Weybread GP, 20 February and Carlton Marshes (four), 21 February.

A Black Redstart was a surprise find by the allotments along Flixton Road, Bungay, 20 February. Five singing male Cetti’s Warblers were heard at Carlton Marshes, 21 February, along with six Bullfinches, and a single male Cetti’s Warbler was singing at Fisher Row, 15 February. A flock of five Lesser Redpolls was seen at Blundeston Marshes, 19 February.

In effect the Waveney Valley’s first summer migrant of the year, Oystercatchers were back on their territories this week at Weybread (two pairs) and Earsham GP, 20 February. A flock of 100 Black-tailed Godwits was present at Gillingham Marshes, 15 February (where the feral Black Swan remains in residence) and 150 Black-tailed Godwits were at Shipmeadow Marshes the following day. A flock of 500 Golden Plovers was at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 15 February and 1500 Lapwings were at the same site, 21 February.

Little Egrets were seen at Herringfleet Marshes (two), 15 February and Somerleyton Marshes the following day.

A single Bewick’s Swan remained at Shipmeadow Marshes, 19 February, 50 Pintail were seen at the same site, 16 February and a redhead Goosander was at Fritton Lake, 18 February.

8 to 14 February

The Great White Egret was last seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 8 February. Little Egrets were recorded from Worlingham Marshes (two), 8 February, Castle Marshes, also 8 February, Long Dam Level, Aldeby, 10 February and Barsham Marshes, 10 and 11 February.

A first-winter Peregrine was seen at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 14 February and a Red Kite flew over Barnby Broad and Castle Marsh, before continuing its journey westwards along the river, 8 February. A Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and two Sparrowhawks were also seen at Castle Marsh, 14 February, while two ringtail Hen Harriers were at Long Dam Level. Other notable raptor records included a Marsh Harrier at Barsham Drain, 8 February, three Marsh Harriers at Carlton Marshes, 9 February and a male Hen Harrier at Oulton Marshes, 14 February. Barn Owls were reported from Barsham Drain (two), 8 February, Castle Marsh (two), 10 February, Carlton Marshes (four), 14 February and Barnby (two), also 14 February.

The first-winter Iceland Gull was noted again at Aldeby Landfill site, 10 February together with four Yellow-legged Gulls (an adult and three first-winters).

A count of 13 Bewick’s Swans was made at Shipmeadow Marshes, 14 February, with two male Goldeneye also present on the same day, and 11 Pintail were seen there, 11 February .Other notable wildfowl included 100 Teal at Old Hall Reservoir, Ringsfield, 11 February and a redhead Goosander at Earsham GP, 8 February.

A Green Sandpiper was seen at Castle Marsh, 8 February and a flock comprising 1400 Lapwings and 300 Golden Plovers was at Peto’s Marsh, 13 February.

A noteworthy flock of 100 Siskins was recorded at Carlton Marshes, 12 February and four Lesser Redpolls were seen at Earsham GP, 8 February. Two Stonechats were recorded at Castle Marsh, 8 February and at the same site there was a Grey Wagtail, 10 February, while Cetti’s Warblers numbered two at Barsham Drain, 8 February and four at Carlton Marshes, 14 February.

1 to 7 February

The Great White Egret was seen again at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 3, 4, 6 and 7 February.

A flock of 15 Waxwings was at the west end of Castleton Avenue, Carlton Colville, 2 February, with 20 there, 5 February.

A Buzzard was recorded at Thorpe Abbotts, 7 February and a male Hen Harrier at Fritton Marshes, 4 February. A single Marsh Harrier was seen at Carlton Marshes, 3 February, with three there, 5 February and one was seen at Castle Marsh, 5 and 7 February. Barn Owls were reported from Beccles Common, 3 February, Castle Marsh (three on 5 February and two on 7 February) and Thorpe Abbotts, 7 February.

A flock of 60 Black-tailed Godwits flew south along the river at St Olaves, 4 February, 20 flew west over Castle Marshes on the same day and three were seen at Shipmeadow Marshes, 7 February. A count of 60 Snipe was made at Ellough Road, Worlingham, 2 February.

A total of 4000 Pink-footed Geese was counted flying south-east over Belton, 4 February and the feral Red-breasted Goose was at Castle Marsh, 3 and 5 February.

The regular first-winter Iceland Gull was seen at Long Dam Level, Aldeby, 5 February.

Four Stonechats were recorded at Castle Marsh, 5 February, together with a Cetti’s Warbler and a flock of 20 Siskins and ten Lesser Redpolls.

25 to 31 January

The highlight of the week was a Great White Egret, which was found on Castle Marsh, North Cove on the morning of 30 January, before flying across the river to Long Dam Level, Aldeby in the afternoon. Single Little Egrets were seen at Barsham Marshes, 28 January and Flixton Marshes, 31 January.

A flock of 2000 Pink-footed Geese was recorded at Blundeston Marshes, 26 January and six Bewick’s Swans were at Shipmeadow Marshes, 31 January.

Notable passerines included a flock of 25 Waxwings along Clarkes Lane, Carlton Colville, 29 January, the flock of 15 Crossbills was again seen at Waveney Forest, Fritton, 28 January and a flock of 50 Siskins was present at North Cove SWT reserve, 26 January. A Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail were seen at Beccles Quay, 25 January and there were three singing male Cetti’s Warblers, four Bearded Tits and seven Bullfinches at Carlton Marshes, 26 January.

A flock of 500 Golden Plover and 1500 Lapwing was at Carlton Marshes, 26 January. Nearby an impressive count of 27 Turnstone was made in the large arable field off Burnt Hill Lane on the same day. Other wader highlights included 74 Snipe, 42 Redshank and ten Dunlin at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, 26 January and 104 Avocet, 84 Black-tailed Godwit and 50 Curlew at Burgh Castle, 31 January. Further upstream, four Curlew were at Gillingham Marshes, 25 January (along with the long-staying feral Black Swan).

The first-winter Iceland Gull was seen again by Aldeby landfill site, 25 and 31 January and the first-winter Glaucous Gull, 30 January.

Two Marsh Harriers and a male Hen Harrier were at Burgh Castle, 27 January and a single Marsh Harrier was at Fritton Marshes, 31 January.

18 to 24 January

A first-winter Iceland Gull was seen adjacent to Aldeby landfill site, 23 January, together with two first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls.

Three Marsh Harriers were present at Burgh Castle, 18 January. Single Barn Owls were recorded at Carlton Marshes, 18 January and Burgh Castle, 21 and 24 January.

A flock of 1500 Lapwings was present at Burnt Hill Lane, Carlton Colville, 18 January, 30 Snipe were logged along Ellough Road, Worlingham and a single Spotted Redshank at Burgh Castle on the same day.

Five Little Egrets were present along Marsh Lane, Worlingham, 20 January and one was at Burgh Castle the following day.

A flock of 15 Crossbills was present at Waveney Forest, Fritton, 21 January.

11 to 17 January

The regular first-winter Glaucous Gull was seen by Aldeby landfill site on 13, 14 and 16 January, with two Caspian Gulls (third- and first-winters) and five Yellow-legged Gulls also recorded, 13 January.

A flock of 15 Waxwings were present along Rushlake Way, Carlton Colville, 13 January. A Blackcap was seen at Barnby, 11 January and a Stonechat at Carlton Marshes, 17 January.

Notable raptors included a Peregrine at Fritton, 11 January and a ringtail Hen Harrier at Carlton Marshes, 17 January. Barn Owls were recorded from Weybread and Harleston, 13 January.

A flock of 1000 Lapwings and 200 Golden Plovers was noteworthy at Carlton Marshes, 17 January.

Three redhead Goosander were at Earsham GP, 11 January and two Bewick’s Swans at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 13 January, while wildfowl of more dubious origin included a Lesser White-fronted Goose at Harleston on the same day and a Red-breasted Goose at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 16 January.

4 to 10 January

A female Peregrine was observed making flights over The Lows, Bungay from a tree-top perch on Bath Hills, 7 January. Marsh Harriers were seen at Herringfleet and Somerleyton Marshes, 9 January and a Buzzard was seen beside the A143 at Scole, 10 January. Barn Owls were recorded from Carlton Marshes, 4 January and Weybread, 5 January.

Two redhead Goosanders were present at Weybread GP, 5 January. A drake Goldeneye was at Fritton Lake, 4 January and a redhead was on the river at Bungay, 7 January, together with an impressive gathering of 200 Teal.

A flock of 17 Black-tailed Godwits was at Worlingham Marshes, 9 January, while a Curlew was an unusual find at Weybread GP, 7 January. Ten Woodcock were flushed from alder carr at Blundeston, 10 January. A Little Egret was seen at Bungay, 7 January, while five were at Herringfleet Marshes, 9 January and one at Somerleyton Marshes on the same day.

A Brambling was seen at St Olaves, 4 January and a female visited feeders at Barnby, 10 January. A finch flock at Carlton Marshes contained ten Lesser Redpolls and ten Siskins, 4 January. Three Kingfishers were seen at Weybread GP, 5 January, two were along the river at Bungay, 7 January and one was seen at Mendham Marshes on the same day. A male Stonechat was also seen at Mendham Marshes, 7 January.

A flock of 60 Pink-footed Geese flew over Carlton Marshes, 4 January.

28 December 2008 to 3 January 2009

The two long-staying redhead Goosanders were present at Broome Heath all week, and they were briefly joined by a third on 30 December, while a redhead Goldeneye was on the river by Wainford Mill, 29 December. A flock of 1000 Pink-footed Geese flew north-east over Somerleyton, 1 January.

Noteworthy raptors included a Peregrine at Burgh Castle, 3 January and a ringtail Hen Harrier at Carlton Marshes and later at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 30 December. Two Marsh Harriers were seen at Somerleyton Marshes, 3 January. Barn Owls were reported from Castle Marsh (three) and Weybread (three), 1 January.

A peak count of 80 Black-tailed Godwits was made at Beccles Marshes, 2 January and a Green Sandpiper and two Water Rails were seen at Barsham Marshes, 28 December.

The regular first-winter Glaucous Gull was seen at Aldeby landfill site, 30 December and 3 January.

A flock of 200 Fieldfares and 75 Redwings was at Beccles Marshes, 2 January. Other noteworthy passerines included 20 Siskins at Fisher Row, Oulton, 30 December, a Grey Wagtail at Beccles Quay, 31 December, a Cetti’s Warbler at Beccles Marshes, 30 December and two Kingfishers at Weybread GP, 29 December. In the New Year ten Lesser Redpolls and five Bullfinches were recorded at Carlton Marshes, 1 January and a flock of 30 Crossbills at Waveney Forest, Fritton on the same day.